Santa Fe Standard

Brooke Salazar, a junior at Capital High School and a key player on the varsity softball team, has recently garnered praise for her exceptional sportsmanship and leadership skills. The commendation came from umpire Randall Schulz, who was impressed by Brooke's conduct on the field.

Schulz expressed his admiration for Brooke's positive influence on her teammates, stating, “Brooke’s enthusiasm and encouragement has not only uplifted her teammates but also created a positive atmosphere in the Capital dugout.” He also highlighted her unwavering optimism, ability to motivate others, and strong work ethic, noting that she embodies the qualities of a true student athlete and leader.

In addition to her leadership qualities, Schulz emphasized Brooke's integrity, effective communication skills, maturity, and respect for authority. He commended her commitment to her teammates and her willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks.

Capital softball head coach, Dennis Hernandez, echoed Schulz's sentiments, describing Brooke as an outstanding player with the heart of a champion. Hernandez emphasized Brooke's positive attitude and energy on the field, noting the importance of her representation of the best aspects of the game to umpires.

Brooke herself credited her parents for instilling positivity in her, her coaches for teaching her patience, and her teammates for her love of the game. Reflecting on the recognition she received, Brooke expressed gratitude, saying, “It was nice because I’ve never gotten a big compliment like that, especially in a letter to the NMAA. I’m a good leader and a positive asset to my team. This recognition really shows how hard I’ve been working at that.”